Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The Bohemian Quartet

The PAG Performing Arts Season continues this weekend with fast and furious tunes from The Bohemian Quartet. The Quartet, a four-piece string band comprised of a violin, viola, cello and bass, was founded by violinist, Stan Renard, in 2005 and is based in Providence, Rhode Island. Other members are Nancy Richardson on viola, Christine Harrington on cello, and John DeBossu on upright bass. The name "Bohemian Quartet" was borrowed from the original Bohemian Quartet which was founded in 1891 and disbanded in 1934. The "new" Bohemian Quartet performs a vast and unique repertoire revolving around traditional 'Gypsy' or 'Romany' music as well as traditional Eastern-European folk music. The music has been collected via recordings, transcription, interviews, and arranged by Stan. The quartet released its first CD "Word of Mouth", in 2006 and was featured on the "One World Show" produced by Robert Malin; receiving an award for "Best Music Documentary-2007" in Rhode Island. The mission of the Quartet is to create an awareness of, and love for, 'Romany' music. The show is Sunday afternoon at 3 PM on November 15 in Saint Paul's Church with a free reception following at the Arts Guild Gallery in the Saint Paul's Parish Hall. Tickets are available at Clements' Market, or by calling 401-253-6682.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Bishop Wolf's Visit

The Right Reverend Geralyn Wolf came for a visit to St. Paul's on Sunday November 8th. While here the Bishop presided at our 10 AM Eucharist and then met with parish members for a reception and some conversation. During her sermon Bishop Wolf addressed "giving out of abundance" and "giving out of poverty" from Mark 12:38-44 and also addressed art and spirituality. At the reception following the service we had an excellent discussion of the characteristics of parishes in transformation. The Bishop's visit has given us a great deal to reflect on during this time of "living in Holy Saturday".